Ombudsman reverses decision, scraps case VS Baguio mayor

The Office of the Ombudsman reversed its initial verdict and recommended the
dismissal of an administrative case filed against Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan
on ground of condonation or the so-called Aguinaldo Doctrine.
Earlier, the Ombudsman found the Baguio mayor guilty of violating Republic Act
6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees for not acting promptly to letters and requests. The decision was given
February 2013 but approved only on September last year.
The complaint was filed by a certain Odel Aquino over the mayors alleged failure to
act on letter complaints he submitted regarding the proliferation of illegal gambling
in Baguio.
However, in an order approved last week, the Ombudsmans office granted the
motion for reconsideration filed by Domogan reversing its earlier decision.
Domogan cited he was re-elected as City Mayor in the May 2013 elections, which by
following Supreme Court ruling called Aguinaldo Doctrine, absolves his previous
charges.
Aguinaldo Doctrine provides that a public officers re-election to the same position
operates as a condonation of his past administrative offenses committed during his
immediate previous term in office.
Additionally, the Ombudsman found that Domogan did actually act on the complaint
letters by issuing memoranda to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and
announcing such directives to the public in his regular press briefings.
Domogan will serve his third term in office this July 1 after winning the May 2016
polls.*